Derbyshire County Council Appoints New Operator for Bus Routes

Derbyshire County Council has designated a new operator for bus services previously managed by a transport charity facing potential closure. Derbyshire Community Transport (DCT), which operated the council’s 147 and 148 bus routes, had indicated it is “highly likely” to discontinue operations by the close of October. Notts & Derby Buses has now been selected by the council to take over these services, commencing operations on 1 November. Councillor Charlotte Cupit, the cabinet member responsible for highways assets and transport, stated: “We’ve been working hard to look for new operators for the services they ran on our behalf.” Cupit further remarked: “Despite additional costs, we have secured replacements to be able to continue these services that I know are very important to these local communities.” The 147 bus route connects Belper to Street Lane and Marehay, passing through Ripley. The 148 bus route operates between Alfreton and Codnor, via Pentrich. The authority indicated that these services are projected to be more economically viable and efficient, operating on a “one-driver, one-bus basis.” This operational model implies a midday break for drivers to have lunch, which will result in certain timing adjustments for the services. The council announced that new timetable information for both routes would be released shortly. The county council also mentioned ongoing efforts to assign other services previously offered by DCT, including the shopping bus service and the Travel Derbyshire on Demand service, to new operators.